Novel Sensors and Sensing Methods

Work led by: Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Científicas - Spanish National Research Council – Institute of Marine Sciences (CSIC)

Optimise new and existing sensors to maximise spatiotemporal coverage while lowering initial and operating cost in global observational systems. Ensure that sensors are fit-for-purpose by determining their requirements (parameters / sensitivity / cost) with user groups. Provide a balanced set of MONOCLE sensors to create strong links between EO satellite observations and the in situ component, using a combination of sparsely distributed reference radiometry systems and widely distributed low-cost sensor systems.

Contact: Jaume Piera
 

Acquisition and deployment techniques

Work led by: Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek - Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO)

Develop platform support for MONOCLE sensors to contribute reliable and frequent in situ observations in a range of environments and by diverse operators, using input from stakeholder groups. Focus on autononous and non-expert operated platforms. Implement power, communication, site safety, and data security methods that are fit-for-purpose, scalable, and following or extend existing standards. Define operational protocols will include field (inter)calibration alternatives to factory calibration as a major cost-reducing measure. Evaluate platform/sensor readiness checks before
major field campaign deployement.

Contact: Liesbeth De Keukelaere
 

Field Testing

Work led by: University of Stirling (USTIR)

Exploit a range of test environments to ensure that cost effective sensors and sensing technologies developed and deployed within MONOCLE can sustainably provide reliable water quality data, adding value to Copernicus and GEOSS (IOP/AOP and biogeochemical data) and providing valuable data for WFD and MSFD reporting.

Contact: Andrew Tyler
 

System interoperability and data integration

Work led by: Water Insight (WI)

To ensure efficient flow of data from sensors and platforms to data consumers, processing routines, and end-users by implementing a data infrastructure for integration, dissemination and exploitation of sensor data. To implement the system based on principles of interoperability and scalability using Open Geospatial Consortium standards wherever approriate, extending and documenting standards where necessary.

Contact: Kathrin Poser
 

Signal and Image analysis

Work led by: Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML)

To develop, demonstrate, and disseminate statistical data analysis techniques to reduce measurement uncertainties and add value to data retrieved from various sensor platforms at the individual-sensor, sensor-network and regional scale. To allow increased utility of individual sensor data through automated data processing and integration of sensors into observation arrays.

Contact: Thomas Jackson
 

In situ data integration in EO services

Work led by: Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek - Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO)

To guide the development of the in situ observation network into a data service that can improve operational EO services. In situ data streams will be matched with operational (Copernicus) EO services run by project partners, and made available for collaboration with external R&D projects and EO service providers to create additional outcomes and impact. To meet an increasing demand for continuous calibration and validation of water-leaving reflectance in global data production contracts (e.g. ESA OC-CCI) and services (CMEMS, CGLOPS2) which is expected to increase with this parameter becoming recently accepted as an Essential Climate Variable for lakes. In addition, this WP aims to show that a one-stop-service for in situ reference measurements resolving atmospheric transmission, water colour, and optical and biogeochemical indicators of water quality is feasible within the coming years. The WP integrates in situ data in EO data products for defined use cases to demonstrate the value of the in situ data for EO services.

Contact: Liesbeth De Keukelaere
 

Project dissemination and exploitation

Work led by: Conservation Education and Research Trust – Earthwatch Europe (CERT)

Create opportunities, inside and outside of Europe, for the MONOCLE project outcomes, and guide the project activities to ensure post-project sustainability. To identify, involve and cultivate appropriate end users, businesses and institutional partners who will play a fundamental role in project development and product roll-out. To explore business cases for SMEs, NGOs, agencies, research institutes and corporations including joint ventures of contributing partners. To strengthen the business case with market analysis, licensing terms, and patent searches where needed. This will address
a projected network expansion and a project exploitation roadmap to grow MONOCLE from the first operational in situ observation service for inland and coastal waters, into the first hybrid EO-in situ observation service for global water quality.

Contact: Luigi Ceccaroni

 

Communication, Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement

Work led by: Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML)
 

Ensure integration and communication within the MONOCLE project across all partners. Establish the optimal communication channels to promote project outcomes and to effectively engage relevant users and to guide MONOCLE research, development, and innovation activities.

Contact: Jess Heard

 
 
 
 

Useful Links